U21s keeper happy to see Manchester United club mate in squad for Irish encounter

England Under-21s 'keeper Ben Amos has welcomed the call-up of Sam Johnstone for Tuesday's game against Northern Ireland in Blackpool.

Amos, currently on loan at Hull City from Manchester United, knows a lot about 19-year-old Johnstone, who is also coming through the ranks at Old Trafford.

Like Amos, Johnstone has represented England throughout the age groups, most recently at U19s level where he was first choice during their European Championship Finals campaign in the summer.

He was also back up to Jack Butland when the U17s became European Champions in 2010, and Amos believes the chance to join up with the Under-21s will only aid his development.

"He's a great lad," said Amos. "I've come up through the ranks with Sam and he's always looking to learn and improve.

"It will be a good experience for him to come in and see what the Under-21s set-up is all about."

And with Butland rested for this get together, it's opened the door for Amos to push for a place and try to impress with Euro 2013 on the horizon.

Having kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory away in Azerbaijan in September, he hopes another opportunity against the Irish will come his way.

"It's a good chance for me as I was only involved in one of the qualification games, so hopefully I'll be able to get some minutes.

"It's always good to be able to represent your country. And it's important for the team to play together as much as we can.

"We've not got a lot of time together, but the game will be a competitive one against Northern Ireland,

"They'll want to beat us, so I think there'll be an extra edge to the game."

England Under-21s Squad in full (click here for profiles)

Goalkeepers
Ben Amos (Hull City - on loan from Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Jason Steele (Middlesbrough)

Defenders
Nathaniel Chalobah (Watford - on loan from Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Tom Lees (Leeds United), Liam Moore (Leicester City), Jack Robinson (Liverpool), Adam Smith (Millwall - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)

Midfielders
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Will Hughes (Derby County), Jason Lowe (Blackburn Rovers), Josh McEachran (Middlesbrough - on loan from Chelsea), Nick Powell (Manchester United), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur)

Forwards
Benik Afobe (Bolton Wanderers - on loan from Arsenal), Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle United), Tom Ince (Blackpool), Connor Wickham (Sunderland), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

Fans can get tickets to watch England’s young stars for the terrific price of just £10 for adults, £5 for children and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is only £25.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 0844 847 1953 or online at www.eticketing.co.uk/blackpoolfc

Group Booking Form | Charter Standard Booking Form